Yes, many great artists urge their peers to break the rules. And, yes, letting loose and being in the moment set a solid foundation for a successful painting session.

However, as one of the arguably greatest artists of all time, Pablo Picasso, used to say:

So before you start breaking any rules, we are here to break down 10 key painting principles. Brought to you by accomplished oil painter, Gregg Kreutz, these pointers are geared to help you boost your creative process and start painting like a pro right now — just try to finish reading all 10, first.

4. Paint relationships — not isolated things or people.5. Everything is either light against dark, dark against light or same against same.6. Paint passages in the light thickly (see Fall at the Farmer’s Market, below).

Fall at the Farmer’s Market (oil on canvas, 16×20) by Gregg Kreutz

7. Light turns gently into shadow and emerges crisply from the shadow.8. Every object needs a form shadow (see Up the Lane, below).

Up the Lane (oil on panel, 12×14) by Gregg Kreutz

9. Shadows are dark versions of local color.10. Highlights are never on the starting edge (see Golden Earring, below).

Golden Earring (oil on canvas, 24×20) by Gregg Kreutz

Which of these painting principles are your favorites? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share with us any painting must-dos that were not listed above.